Brain and Spine Tumors

Brain and spine tumors can be serious, which is why experienced oncologists Michael Marchese, MD, and Hemangini Shah, DO, FACRO, at Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center in Lakewood, New Jersey, provide exceptional care with leading-edge technology and personalized patient care. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and personalized care, the team has successfully treated thousands of people and will support you every step of the way. To learn more about treatment options for brain and spine tumors and schedule your consultation, call the office or book an appointment online via the website today.

What types of brain and spine tumors are there?

Not all brain tumors are cancerous. While all brain tumors can present a problem for your health, benign (noncancerous) brain tumors usually grow slowly. 

Alternatively, malignant brain tumors usually grow quickly and should receive prompt treatment.

What are the symptoms of brain and spine tumors?

Your symptoms will depend on the tumor’s location, size, and growth rate. Symptoms may include:

• Headaches that increase in frequency and severity
• Nausea or vomiting
• Worsening headaches or head pressure in the morning
• Tension headaches or migraines
• Difficulties with balance
• Speech problems
• Blurry vision, seeing double, loss of vision, or other eye problems
• Excessive fatigue
• Memory problems
• Changes in personality or behavior
• Frequent confusion
• Difficulty following simple commands
• Vertigo (dizziness)
• Unexplained or unprecedented seizures
• Hearing issues
• Increased appetite and weight gain

The symptoms of spinal cord tumors may include:

• Loss of bowel or bladder function
• Back pain that radiates to other parts of the body or worsens at night
• Muscle weakness or loss of sensation in the legs or arms
• Pain near the tumor site
• Loss of sensitivity to cold or heat
• Generalized muscle weakness

The more aggressive the tumor growth, the more rapidly symptoms tend to develop or worsen. 

If you experience unexplained symptoms, contact the Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center team to get answers as quickly as possible.

How are brain and spine tumors diagnosed?

The team may run a series of procedures or tests, including:

• Head or spine CT scan
• A neurological examination
• Brain or spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• A positron emission tomography (PET) scan

What treatments are available for brain and spine tumors?

If you are diagnosed with brain or spine tumors, the Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center team gets to work immediately. Your personalized care plan may revolve around a variety of treatments, including:

• Surgery to remove the tumor
• Radiation therapy or image-guided, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT)
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy

The team is dedicated to supporting you before, during, and after your treatments. 

For the highest-quality care for head and neck cancers, call Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center or book an appointment online today.